A Land Without Giants

Listen to A Land Without Giants

By now, we’re accustomed to hearing all kinds of predictions (and pronouncements) of the death of the media giant. But what would David be without Goliath?

In a discussion sparked by media historian Bridget Griffen-Foley’s new book, A Companion to the Australian Media — a comprehensive survey drawing on 300 industry experts and professionals — we’re taking stock of the information economy. In particular, we’re taking the most pessimistic forecasts to their hypothetical conclusions, and asking: what would Australia’s media landscape look like without its biggest players?

What would happen if smaller operators and startups weren’t able to feed off the newsrooms of Big Media — the engines that drive news cycles across radio, TV and the internet? Amidst all the commentary, what are the real risks and opportunities facing publishers? Is the media in a state of ‘disruptive innovation’ … or panic? And has anyone yet figured out how to make investigative journalism financially sustainable?